Encyclopedia of Islam

Further reading: Francois Burgat and William Dowell, 

The Islamic Movement in North Africa (Austin: Univer-

sity of Texas Press, 1997); Linda G. Jones, “Portrait 

of Rashid al-Ghannoushi,” Middle East Report 153 

(July–August 1988): 19; Charles Kurzman, ed., Liberal 

Islam: A Sourcebook (New York: Oxford University 

Press, 1988).

ghayba

 

(Arabic: absence)

In Shiism, ghayba refers to the withdrawal, or 

occultation, of an individual—most frequently 

the i

mam

, or holy leader—from human sight. This 

Imam’s life can be miraculously elongated while 

in this absence, when he is thought to be close to 

God. The concept first appeared in Shii circles in 

the early eighth century and became connected to 

eschatological beliefs concerning the return of the 

imam preceding the end time. Among the various 

branches of s

hiism

, the largest group, Twelve-

Imam Shia, believe in a lesser and greater ghayba

of their 12th imam, m

Uhammad

 

al

-m

ahdi

 (b. 868). 

Four deputies successively represented this Imam 

over the span of about 70 years during his “lesser 

ghayba.” Immediately preceding the death of the 

fourth deputy in 941, this Imam is believed to 

have inaugurated “the greater ghayba,” which will 

continue until shortly before the end of the world. 

Until that time, the 12th Imam remains alive on 

this earth, concealed. Then, at a time appointed